If people are still arguing over the existence of panthers in Alabama, they obviously haven’t been to Pell City. They can particularly be seen at Lakeside Park, voraciously inhabiting the well-manicured lawns of the ball fields. They seem to roam in large groups, attracted to the camaraderie of teamwork.

The crack of a metal bat hitting a softball, a loud whistle of a coach, a solid “thud” as a cleated foot kicks a soccer ball, the unified voices of the cheerleaders rallying them on. All of the fields are occupied: football, soccer, softball, baseball, cheer. Children are running, laughing and trying their best. Volunteers coach on the field, teaching children the rules of the game while trying to instill discipline and good sportsmanship. Parents rally on the sidelines, offering their evenings, Saturday’s, encouragement and wallets to support their children’s activities.

The Pell City Parks and Recreation Youth Athletics and Sports Programs offer a variety of these activities to children ages 4-12 in fall and spring. Under the leadership of Elliot Jacobik, Athletic Director of Pell City Parks and Recreation, and a group of dedicated Athletic Assistants, the programs have only grown since The City of Pell City took over the program four years ago. There are over 500 children participating in the various sports just for the fall season. Coached mainly by volunteers, the teams play other surrounding Youth Sports Association and City League affiliations, at home and away. Elliot Jacobik and Athletic Assistant, Wesley Myers schedule all the games.

“These programs strengthen the community. It creates a positive atmosphere for kids, providing a place to increase opportunities, have fun, and teach them to have positive relationships. The volunteers also come together to make a difference,” Jacobik said.

As the kids practice and increase their skills and accomplishments, you see a pride of being involved spread across their face, bolstering their confidence in themselves and their teammates. It creates a basis for future involvement in sports when they have the ability and love of the game. Beginning early, they can hone their skills through the years into adolescence, playing Junior Varsity, Varsity, perhaps continuing into College and sometimes Pro. But that’s not why they do it.

“It is satisfying seeing the smiles on the kid’s faces. They are excited to play,” said Wesley Myers, whose son plays soccer.

Jacobik and Myers are still hard at work finalizing all of the game schedules for this season, but if you happen to have a Saturday open, the football and supporting cheerleader schedules are complete. The volunteer coaches, parents and kids are working hard to make the Pell City Panthers proud. As I watch my kids on the field, confidently wearing their Panther uniforms and raising their cheers loud, I know I’m proud to be a part of it.

Way to go, Panthers. Way to go.

To learn more about the Pell City Parks and Recreation Youth Athletics and Sports Programs, visit cityofpellcity.com or call (205) 338-9713.